Active-duty suicides up in June, Army reports

Jul. 30, 2013 - 06:00AM
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The number of suspected suicides among active-duty soldiers increased in June, the latest setback in the Army’s ongoing battle against a threat that officials believe has already claimed 158 soldiers so far this year.

As many as 14 active-duty soldiers killed themselves in June, the Army announced Tuesday. Four of the deaths have been confirmed as suicides and 10 remain under investigation.

The total in June is two more than the 12 suspected suicides reported in May.

Typically, more than 90 percent of suspected suicides are confirmed.

Among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, the Army reported eight suspected suicides in June. Four soldiers were from the Army National Guard and four from the Army Reserve.

All eight deaths are still under investigation.

In May, among that same population, the Army reported 14 suspected suicides. Two of the deaths have been confirmed as suicides.

So far this year, 77 active-duty soldiers and 81 reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty are believed to have committed suicide.